Monaco

Monaco

Monaco lies within the French Riviera, one of the most famous resort areas in the world. It is completely enclosed by France on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco benefits from an excellent climate and beautiful scenery. Amazing views are plentiful from the heights of the Tête de Chien or Mont Agel. Lower down from the Moyenne-Corniche there are a numerous panoramic viewpoints as well. There are plenty of spectacular things to do here to fill a honeymoon with excitement and romance . . . going to the opera at one of the amazing venues Salle Garnier or the Grimaldi Forum, trying your luck at the exquisite Place du Casino, going to the Monaco Grand Prix in May, or just admiring the luxury yachts and boats of the rich and famous in the main harbor.Monaco is also well located for exploring Provence, the French Riviera and Italy.

Geography/Environment

Monaco lies on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea completely enclosed by France near the border with Italy. Backed by the Alpes-Maritimes foothills, Monaco is a natural amphitheatre overlooking the sea.

Activities

Take a stroll along the coastal Avenue Saint-Martin, featuring cliff-side gardens and the Monaco Cathedral. Visit the Monaco-Ville on the Rocher and be sure not to miss the Palais Princier, the Cathedral, the Musee Oceanographique, and take a walk over to the harbors on either side of the Palais Princier for an amazing view. To the east of the harbor, you'll find the Casino de Paris in Place du Casino and the most beautiful part of Monte Carlo. Take a look inside even if you prefer not to gamble. The Jardin Exotique, the Japanese Garden, and the world renowned Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium and its La Terrasse restaurant with a great view over the Riviera are also all worth a visit. Honeymooners should consider taking in a show at the flamboyant opera house, Salle Garnier to make their visit extra special. Another option is to take in a show at the Monaco convention center. It hosts large exhibitions and shows and is also home to Monaco's newest opera stage, the Grimaldi Forum, which is situated below the sea. You can also walk the Formula One circuit when the Grand Prix is not being held . . . or go to the Monaco Grand Prix if you visit in May.

Climate and Weather

Monaco has a mild climate year-round. The hottest months are July and August and the coolest are January and February. Monaco has an average of only 60 days of rain per year, which falls mostly during the cooler winter months.

Other Important Information

Monaco is the world's smallest French-speaking country, the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican), the world’s most densely populated independent country, and it’s almost entirely urban. With no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate, the principality has become a resort for tourists and is often regarded as a tax haven. Many of its inhabitants are wealthy and from foreign countries, making up a majority of 84%.

Destination Wedding Information

A couple has to be a resident of Monaco for at least 30 days to be officially married in Monaco. Most couples who want to get married in Monaco have a small private ceremony before a judge at home and then have a vow renewal ceremony with their wedding party and guests in Monaco. The couple and the officiant may be the only people who know that the ceremony is a vow renewal. This way the wedding couple still has a dream wedding in romantic Monaco - without dealing with extensive paperwork and regulations.